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Selected Popular Tales 

THIRD SERIES 


SELECTED AND ARRANGEIV'BY 






HENRY CABOT LODGE 




PUSS IN BOOTS 

4 THE SLEEPING BEAUTY 

^BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 

^THE PRINCESS AND THE NUTS 

>1 FOR TUNA TUS 

[the history of SIR R. WHITTINGTON 
AND HIS CAT 

^ CINDERELLA 


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THESE STORIES ARE AUTHORIZED FOR USE IN THE BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 



COMPANY 


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Copyright, 1880, 

» 

By Henry Cabot Lodge. 


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PREFACE 


This third series of popular tales is made up of stories which have 
already appeared in its two predecessors. All the stories in this selec- 
tion are of the great famil}" of myths and folk-lore, with the exception 
of “ Whittington and his Cat,’* which is a popular tale of comparatively 
recent origin, and is, of course, in a large measure founded on fact. 
The chief object of the editor was to obtain the oldest English texts ; and 
these were, for the most part, found in the great Boswell collection of 
chapbooks and penny pamphlets of the last century owned by Harvard 
College. From these, and from the versions in Halliwell’s collection of 
English tales, the texts here given have been taken wherever it was 
possible. 

For “ Cinderella,” the editor has, in the main, followed the text of 
Mrs. Craik’s “ Fairy Book,” the best of modern English collections, but 
he has thought it desirable to make some alterations in her version. 
“ Beauty and the Beast” is an abridgment by Mrs. Craik from Madame 
de Villeneuve’s version, which occupies the larger part of a volume in 
the Cabinet des Fees. The “ Princess and the Nuts” is one of the most 
widal}^ spread of the great folk-tales. The version here given is the 
English form of the story, and is copied from Halliwell (‘‘Popular Tales 
and Nursery Rhymes”)^ who took it down from oral recitation; and 
from Halliwell also comes “Puss in Boots.” “ Fortunatus” first gained 
a literaiy form which proved generally popular, from the Countess 
d’Aulno\^ (1650-1705). The text of the version given here is probabl}^ 
a translation ; but it is very old, being taken from a chapbook of the 
last century, in the 'Boswell collection. The text of “Whittington” 
and that of the “ Sleeping Beaut}'” come from the same source. The 
editor has throughout sought to preserve strictly the language, incidents, 
and words of the oldest versions and texts, and give them as simply 
and with as few changes or omissions as possible. 

H. C. L. 


Nahant, November 4, 1880. 





PUSS IN BOOTS. 


MILLER, dying, divided all his 
property between his three children. 
This was very easy, as he had noth- 
ing to leave but his mill, his ass, and 
his cat; so he made no will, and 
called in no lawyer. The eldest son 
had the mill ; the second, the ass ; and 
the youngest, nothing but the cat. 
The young fellow was quite downcast at so poor a lot. 

My brothers,” said he, '' by putting their property togeth- 
er, may gain an honest living, but there is nothing left for 
me, except to die of hunger ; unless, indeed, I were to kill 
my cat and eat him, and make a muff out of his sldn.” 

The cat, who heard all tliis, sat up on his four paws 
and, looking at him with a grave and wise air, said, 
” Master, I think you had better not kill me; I shall be 
much more useful to you alive.” 

” How so ? ” asked his master. 

” You have but to give me a sack, and a pair of boots 
such as gentlemen wear when they go shooting, and you 
will find you are not so ill off as you suppose.” 

Now, though the young man did not much depend upon 
( 5 ) 



6 


FUJSS IN BOOTS. 



the cat’s words, still he thought it rather surprising that a 
cat should speak at all. And he had before now seen him 
play a great many cunning tricks in catching rats and 
mice, so that it seemed advisable to trust him a little far- 
ther; especially as 
— poor young fel- 
low ^ — he had no- 
body else to trust. 

Wlien the cat got 
his boots, he drew 
them on with a 
grand air, and 
slinging his sack 
over his 
shoulder, and 


drawing the cords 
of it round his neck, 
he marched bravely 
to a rabbit-warren 
hard by, with which 
he was well acquaint- 
ed. Then, putting 
some bran and let- 
tuces into his bag, 
and stretching himself out beside it as if he were dead, 
he waited till some line, fat young rabbit, ignorant of 
the wickedness and deceit of the world, should peep 
into the sack to eat the food that was inside. This 


PUSS m BOOTS. 


7 


happened very shortly, for there are plenty of foolish 
young rabbits in every warren; and when one of them, 
who really was a splendid fat fellow, put his head inside. 
Master Puss drew the cords unmediately, and took him 
and killed him without mercy. Then, very proud of his 
prey, he marched direct up to the palace, and begged to 
speak with the king. He was desired to ascend to the 
apartment of his majesty, where, making a low bow, he 
said : — 

” Sire, here is a magnificent rabbit, killed in the warren 
which belongs to my lord the Marquis of Carabas, and 
which he has desired me to offer humbly to your maj- 
esty.” 

” Tell your master,” replied the king, politely, ” that I 
accept his present, and am very much obliged to him.” 

Another time, Puss went out and hid himself and his 
sack in a wheat-field, and there caught two splendid fat 
partridges in the same manner as he had done the rabbit. 
When he presented them to the king, with a similar mes- 
sage as before, his majesty was so pleased that he ordered 
the cat to be taken down into the kitchen and given some- 
thing to eat and drink; where, while enjoying himself, the 
faithful animal did not cease to talk in the most cunning 
way of the large preserves and abundant game which 
belonged to his lord the Marquis of Carabas. 

One day, hearing that the king was intending to take a 
drive along the river-side with his daughter, the most 
beautiful princess in the world. Puss said to his master. 
Sir, if you would only follow my advice, your fortune is 
made.” 

” Be it so,” said the miller’s son, who was growing very 


8 


FUJS^ IN BOOTHS. 



disconsolate, 
and cared 
very little 
what he did : 

” Say your say, cat.” 

”It is hut little,” replied 
Puss, looking wise, as cats 
can. ''You have only to go and bathe 
in the river, at a place which I shall show 
you, and leave all the rest to me. Only 
remember that you are no longer yourself, 
hut my lord the Marquis of Carabas.” 

"Just so,” said the miller’s son, "it’s 
all the same to me ; ” hut he did as the 
cat told him. 

While he was bathing, the king and all 
the court passed by, and were startled to 
hear loud cries of " Help ! help ! my lord 
the Marquis of Carabas is drowning.” 
The king put his head out of the carriage, 


PUSS m BOOTS. 


9 


and saw nobody but the cat, who had at different times 
brought him so many presents of game; however, he 
ordered his guards to fly quickly to the succor of 
my lord the Marquis - of Carabas. While they were 
pulling the unfortunate marquis out of the water, the 
cat came up, bowing, to the side of the king’s carriage, 
and told a long and pitiful story about some thieves, 
who, while his master was bathing, had come and carried 
away all his clothes, so that it would be impossible for 
him to appear before his majesty and the illustrious 
princess. 

''Oh, we will soon remedy that,” answered the king, 
kindly; and immediately ordered one of the first officers 
of the household to ride back to the palace with all speed, 
and bring thence a supply of fine clothes for the young gen- 
tleman, who kept out of sight until they arrived. Then, 
being handsome and well-made, his new clothes became 
him so well, that he looked as if he had been a marquis all 
his days, and advanced with an air of respectful ease to 
offer his thanks to his majesty. 

The king received him courteously, and the princess ad- 
mired him very much. Indeed, so charming did he appear 
to her, that she hinted to her father to invite him into the 
carriage with them, which, you may be sure, the young 
man did not refuse. The cat, delighted at the success of 
his scheme, went away as fast as he could, and ran so 
swiftly that he kept a long way ahead of the royal car- 
riage. He went on and on, till he came to some peasants 
who were mowing in a meadow. " Good people,” said he, 
in a very firm voice, "the king is coming past here shortly, 
and if you do not say that the field you are mowing belongs 


10 


PUSS IN BOOTS. 


to my lord the Marquis of Carabas, you shall all be chopped 
as small as mince-meat.” 

So when the king drove by, and asked whose meadow 
it was where there was such a splendid crop of hay, the 
mowers all answered, trembling, that it belonged to my 
lord the Marquis of Carabas. 

” You have very fine land, marquis,” said his majesty to 
the miller’s son, who bowed, and answered, that ”it was 
not a bad meadow, take it altogether.” 



Then the cat came to a wheat-field, where the reapers 
were reaping with all their might. He bounced in upon 
them: "The king is coming past to-day, and if you do not 
tell him that this wheat belongs to my lord the Marquis of‘ 
Carg^bas, I will have you every one chopped as small as 
mince-meat.” The reapers, very much alarmed, did as 
they were bid, and the king congratulated the marquis 
upon possessing such beautiful fields, laden with such an 
abundant harvest. 


PUSS IN BOOTS. 


11 


They drove on — the cat always running before and 
saying the same thing to everybody he met, that they were 
to declare that the whole country belonged to his master ; 
so that even the king was astonished at the vast estate of 
my lord the Marquis of Carabas. 

But now the cat arrived at a great castle where dwelt an 
Ogre, to whom belonged all the land through which the 
royal carriage had been driving. This Ogre was a cruel 
tyrant, and his tenants and servants were terribly afraid 
of him, which accounted for their being so ready to say 
whatever they were told to say by the cat, who had taken 
pains to inform himself all about the Ogre. So, putting 
on the boldest face he could assume. Puss marched up to 
the castle with his boots on, and asked to see the owner of 
it, saying that he was on his travels, but did not wish to 
pass so near the castle of such a noble gentleman, without 
paying his respects to him. When the Ogre heard this 
message, he went to the door, received the cat as civilly as 
an Ogre can, and begged him to walk in and repose him- 
self. 

''Thank you, sir,” said the cat; "but first I hope you 
will satisfy a traveller’s curiosity. I have heard in far 
countries of your many remarkable qualities, and espe- 
cially how you have the power to change yourself into 
any sort of beast you choose, — a lion, for instance, or an 
elephant.” 

"That is quite true,” replied the Ogre; "and lest you 
should doubt it I will immediately become a lion.” 

He did so ; and the cat was so frightened that he sprang 
up to the roof of the castle and hid himself in the gutter, 
— a proceeding rather inconvenient on account of his 


12 


PUSS IN BOOTS. 


boots, which were not exactly fitted to walk with on tiles. 
At length, perceiving that the Ogre had resumed his origi- 
nal form, he came down again, and owned that he had been 
very much frightened. 

''But, sir,” said he, "it may be easy enough for such a 
big gentleman as you to change himself into a large ani- 
mal; I do not suppose you could become a small one — a 
rat, or mouse, for instance. I have heard that you can; 
still, for my part, I consider it quite impossible.” 

"Impossible!” cried the other, indignantly. "You shall 
see ! ” and immediately the cat saw the Ogre no longer, 
but a little mouse running along on the floor. 

This was exactly what Puss wanted ; and he fell upon 
him at once and ate him up. So there was an end to the 
Ogre. 

By this time the king had arrived opposite the castle, 
and had a strong wish to go into it. The cat, hearing the 
noise of the carriage- wheels, ran forward in a great hurry, 
and, standing at the gate, said, in loud voice, "Welcome, 
sire, to the castle of my lord the Marquis of Carabas.” 

"What!” cried his majesty, very much surprised, "does 
the castle also belong to you? Truly, marquis, you have 
kept your secret well up to the last minute. I have never 
seen anything finer than this court-yard and these battle- 
ments. Let us go in, if you please.” 

The marquis, without speaking, offered his hand to the 
princess to help her to descend, and, standing aside that 
the king might enter first, followed his majesty to the 
great hall, where a magnificent dinner was laid out, and 
where, without more delay, they all sat down to feast. 

Before the banquet was over, the king, charmed with 


PUSS m BOOTS. 


13 


the good qualities of the Marquis of Carabas, — and like- 
wise with his wine, of which he had drunk six or seven 
cups, — said, bowing across the table at which the prin- 
cess and the miller’s son were talking very confidentially 
together, ”It rests with you, marquis, whether you will 
marry my daughter.” 

shall be only too happy,” said the marquis, and the 
princess’s cast-down eyes declared the same. 

So they were married the very next day, and took pos- 
session of the Ogre’s castle, and of everything that had 
belonged to him. 

As for the cat, he became at once a great lord, and had 
never more any need to run after mice, except for his own 
diversion. 



THE 


SLEEPING BEAUTY IN THE WOOD. 

ECEKE was once in a distant country 
a king and queen, whose only sorrow 
was that they had no children. At 
last the queen gave birth to a little 
daughter, and the king showed his 
joy by giving a christening feast so 
grand that the like of it was never 
known. He asked all the fairies in 
the land — there were seven found in the kingdom — to 
stand godmothers to the little princess ; hoping that each 
might bestow on her some good gift. 

After the christening all the guests returned to the^ pal- 
ace, where there was placed before each fairy-godmother a 
magnificent covered dish, and a knife, fork, and spoon of 
pure gold, set with precious stones. But, as they all were 
sitting down at table, there entered an old fairy who had 
not been invited, because it was more than fifty years since 
she had gone out of a certain tower, and she was thought 
to be dead or enchanted. The king ordered a cover to be 
placed for her, but it was of common earthen-ware, for he 
had ordered from his jeweller only seven gold dishes, for 

( 14 ) 



THE SLEEPING BEAUTY. 


15 


the seven fairies aforesaid. The old fairy thought herself 
neglected, and muttered angry threats, which were over- 
heard by one of the younger fairies, who chanced to sit 
beside her. This good godmother, afraid of harm to the 
pretty baby, hastened to hide herself behind the hangings 
in the hall. She did this because she wished to speak last 
and repair any evil the old fairy might intend. 

The fairies now offered their good wishes — which, 
unlike most wishes, were sure to come true. The first 
wished that the little princess should grow up the fairest 
woman in the world; the second, that she should have 
wit like an angel ; the third, that she should be perfectly 
graceful; the fourth, that she should sing like a nightin- 
gale ; the fifth, that she should dance perfectly well ; the 
sixth, that she should play all kinds of music perfectly. 
Then the old fairy’s turn came. Shaking her head 
spitefully, she uttered the wish that when the baby grew 
up into a young lady, and learned to spin, she might prick 
her finger with a spindle and die of the wound. 

This terrible prophecy made all the company tremble ; 
and every one fell to crying. Upon which the wise young 
fairy appeared from behind the curtains and said, ''Assure 
yourselves, O king and queen; the princess shall not die. 
I have no power to undo what my elder has done. The 
princess must pierce her finger with a spindle, and she shall 
then sink, not into the sleep of death, but into a sleep that 
will last a hundred years. After that time is ended, the 
son of a king shall come and awake her.” 

Then all the fairies vanished. 

The king, in the hope of avoiding his daughter’s doom, 
issued an edict forbidding all persons to spin, and even to 


16 


THE SLEEPING BEAUTY. 



have spinning-wheels in their houses, on 
pain of instant death. But it was in 
vain. One day, when she was just 
fifteen years of age, the king and queen 
left their daughter alone in one of their 
castles, where, wandering about at her 
will, she came to a little room in the top 
of a tower, and there found a very old 
woman, who had not heard of the king’s 
edict, busy with her spinning-wheel, 

''What are you doing, good old 
woman?” said the princess. 

" I’m spinning, my pretty child.” 

"Ah, how pretty! Let me try if I 
can spin also.” 

She had no sooner taken up the spindle 
than, being hasty and unhandy, she 
pierced her finger with the point. Though 
it was so small a wound, she fainted 


THE SLEEPING BEAUTY. 


17 


away at once, and dropped on the floor. The poor old 
woman called for help ; shortly came the ladies in waiting, 
who tried every means to restore their young mistress; 
but all in vain. She lay, beautiful as an angel, the 
color still lingering in her lips and cheeks, her fair 
bosom softly stirred with her breath ; only her eyes were 
fast closed. When the king, her father, and the queen, 
her mother, beheld her thus, they knew that all had hap- 
pened as the cruel fairy meant, and that their daughter 
would sleep for one hundred years. They sent away all 
the physicians and attendants, and themselves sorrow- 
fully laid her upon a bed in the finest apartment in the 
palace. There she slept and looked like a sleeping angel 
still. 

When this misfortune happened, the kindly young fairy, 
who had saved the princess by changing her sleep of 
death into this sleep of a hundred years, was twelve 
thousand leagues away, in the kingdom of Mataquin. 
But, being informed of everything by a little dwarf who 
wore seven-league boots, she arrived speedily in a chariot 
of fire drawn by dragons. The king handed her out 
of the chariot, and she approved of all he had done. 
Then, being a fairy of great common-sense and fore- 
sight, she thought that the princess, awakening after a 
hundred years in this old castle, might not know what to 
do with herself if she found herself alone. Accordingly she 
touched with her magic wand everybody and everything 
in the palace, except the king and queen: governesses, 
ladies of honor, waiting-maids, gentlemen ushers, cooks, 
kitchen-girls, pages, footmen; even the horses that were 
in the stables, and the grooms that attended them, she 


18 


THE SLEEPING BEAUTY. 


touched each and all. 'Nslj, the dogs, too, in the outer 
court, and the little fat lapdog, Mopsey, who had laid 
himself down beside his mistress on her splendid bed, 
were also touched, and they, like all the rest, fell fast 
asleep in a moment. The very spits that were before the 
kitchen-fire fell asleep, and the fire itself, and everything 
became as still as if it were the middle of the night, or 
as if the palace were a palace of the dead. 

The king and queen, having kissed their daughter, went 
out of the castle, giving orders that it was to be ap- 
proached no more. The command was unnecessary; for 
in one quarter of an hour there- sprang up around it a 
wood so thick and thorny that neither beasts nor men 
could attempt to penetrate there. Above this dense mass 
of forest could only be seen the top of the high tower 
where the lovely princess slept. 

When a hundred years were gone, the king had died, 
and his throne had passed to another royal family. The 
reigning Idng’s son, being one day out hunting, was 
stopped in the chase by this great wood, inquired what 
wood it was, and what were those towers which he saw 
appearing out of the midst of it. Every one answered 
as he had heard. Some said it was an old castle haunted 
by spirits. Others said it was the abode of witches and 
enchanters. The most common story was that an Ogre 
lived there, a giant with long teeth and claws, who 
carried away naughty little boys and girls and ate them 
up. The prince did not loiow what to think. At length 
an old peasant was found who remembered having heard 
his grandfather say to his father that in this tower was a 
princess, beautiful as the day, who was doomed to sleep 


THE SLEEPING BEAUTY. 


19 


there for one hundred years, until awakened by a king’s 
son, who was to marry her. ' 

At this the young prince, who had the spirit of a hero, 
determined to find out the truth for himself. Spurred 
on by love and honor, he leaped from his horse and began 
to force his way through the thick wood. To his amaze- 
ment the stiff branches all gave way, and the ugly thorns 
drew back of their own accord, and the brambles buried 
themselves in the earth to let him pass. This done, they 
closed behind him, allowing none to follow. jN^evertheless 
he pushed boldly on alone. 

The first thing he saw was enough to freeze him with 
fear. Bodies of men and horses lay extended on the 
ground; but the men had faces, not death- white, but red 
as roses, and beside them were glasses half filled with 
wine, showing that they had gone to sleep drinking. 
Next he entered a large court paved with marble, where 
stood rows of guards presenting arms, but as still as if 
cut out of stone ; then he passed through many chambers 
where gentlemen and ladies, all in the dress of the past 
century, slept at their ease, some standing, some sitting. 
The pages were lurking in corners, the ladies of honor 
were stooping over their embroidery frames, or listening 
to the gentlemen of the court; but all were as silent and 
as quiet as statues. Their clothes, strange to say, were 
fresh and new as ever; and not a particle of dust or 
spider-web had gathered over the furniture, though it had 
not known a broom for a hundred years. Finally the 
astonished prince came* to an inner chamber, where was 
the fairest sight his eyes had ever beheld. 

A young girl of wonderful beauty lay asleep on an 


20 


THE SLEEPING BEAUTY, 



embroidered bed, and she looked as if she 
had only just closed her eyes. Trem- 
bling, the prince approached and knelt 
beside her. Some say he kissed her ; but 
as nobody saw it, and she never told, we 
cannot be quite sure of the fact. How- 
ever, as the end of the enchantment had 
come, the princess waked at once, and, 
looking at him with eyes 
of the tenderest regard, 
said, sleepily, Is it you, 
my prince? I have wait- 
ed for you very long.” 


THE SLEEPING BEAUTY. 


21 


Charmed with these words, and still more by the tone 
in which they were uttered, the prince assured her that he 
loved her more than his life. For a long time did they sit 
talking, and yet had not said half enough. Their only 
interruption was the little dog Mopsey, who had awak- 
ened with his mistress, and now began to be jealous that 
the princess did not notice hun as much as she was wont 
to do. 

Meantime all the attendants, whose enchantment was 
also broken, not being in love, were ready to die of hun- 
ger after their fast of a hundred years. A lady of honor 
ventured to say that dinner was served; whereupon the 
prince handed his beloved princess at once to the great 
hall. She did not wait to dress for dinner, being already 
perfectly and magnificently attired, though in a fashion 
somewhat out of date. However, her lover had the 
politeness not to notice this, nor to remind her that she 
was dressed exactly hke his grandmother, whose portrait 
still hung on the palace walls. 

During dinner a concert by the attendant musicians 
took place, and, considering they had not touched their 
instruments for a century, they played the old tunes 
extremely well. They ended with a wedding march: 
for that very evening the prince and princess were 
married. 

After a few days they went together out of the castle 
and enchanted wood, both of which immediately vanished, 
and were never more beheld by mortal eyes. The princess 
was restored to her ancestral Idngdom, and after a few 
years the prince and she became king and queen, and ruled 
long and happily. 


III. 


BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. 


There was once upon a time a very rich merchant, who 
had six children, three boys and three girls. As he wa& 
a man of great sense, he spared no expense for their edu- 
cation. The three daughters were all handsome, but par- 
ticularly the youngest, who was so very beautiful that in 
her childhood every one called her the Little Beauty. 
Being equally lovely when she was grown up, nobody called 
her by any other name, which made her sisters very jealous 
of her. 

This youngest daughter was not only more handsome 
than her sisters, but was also better-tempered. The two 
eldest were vain of their wealth and position. They 
gave themselves a thousand airs, and refused to visit other 
merchants’ daughters ; nor would they condescend to be 
seen except with persons of quality. 

They went every day to balls, plays, and public walks, 
and always made fun of their younger sister for spending 
her time in reading or other useful employments. As it 
was well known that these young ladies would have large 
fortunes, many great merchants wished to get them for 
wives ; but the two eldest always answered, that, for their 
parts, they had no thoughts of marrying any one below a 
duke or an earl, at least. 










BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 


23 


Beauty had quite as many offers as her sisters ; but she 
always answered^ with the greatest civility, that, though she 
was much obliged to her lovers, she would rather live some 
years longer with her father, as she thought herself too 
young to marry. 

It happened that, by some unlucky accident, the merchant 
suddenly lost all his fortune, and had nothing left but a small 
cottage in the country. Upon this he said to his daughters, 
while the tears ran down his cheeks, My children, we must 
now go and dwell in the cottage, and try to get a living by 
labor, for we have no other means of support.” 

The two eldest replied that they did not know how to 
work, and would npt leave town; for they had lovers 
enough who would be glad to marry them, though they had 
no longer any fortune. But in this they were mistaken ; for 
when the lovers heard what had happened, they said, ‘‘ The 
girls were so proud and ill-tempered, that all we wanted was 
their fortune : we are not sorry at all to see their pride 
brought down: let them show off their airs to their cows 
and sheep.” 

But everybody pitied poor Beauty, because she was so 
sweet-tempered and kind to all, and several gentlemen 
offered to marry her, though she had not a penny. Beauty, 
however, still refused, and said she could not think of leav- 
ing her poor father in this trouble. 

At first Beauty could not help sometimes crying in secret 
for the hardships she was now obliged to suffer ; but in a 
very short time she said to herself, All the crying in the 
world will do me no good, so I will try to be happy without 
a fortune.” 

When they had removed to their cottage, the merchant 


24 


BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. 


and his three sons employed themselves in ploughing and 
sowing the fields, and working in the garden. Beauty also 
did her part. For she rose by four o’clock every morning, 
lighted the fires, cleaned the house, and got ready the 
breakfast for the whole family. 

At first she found all this very hard ; but she soon grew 
quite used to it, and thought it no hardship. Indeed, the 
work greatly benefited her health. When she had done, 
she used to amuse herself with reading, playing her music, 
or singing while she spun. 

But her two sisters were at a loss what to do to pass the 
time away. They had their breakfast in bed, and did not 
rise till ten o’clock. Then they commonly walked out, but 
always found themselves very soon tired ; when they would 
often sit down under a shady tree, and grieve for the loss of 
their carriage and fine clothes. 

They would say to each other, What a mean-spirited, 
poor, stupid creature our young sister is, to be so content with 
this low way of life ! ” But their father thought differently, 
and loved and admired his youngest child more than ever. 

After they had lived in this manner about a year, the 
merchant received a letter, which informed him that one of 
his richest ships, which he thought was lost, had just come 
into port. This news made the two eldest sisters almost 
mad with joy ; for they thought they should now leave the 
cottage, and have all their finery again. 

When they found that their father must take a journey 
to the ship, the two eldest begged he would not fail to bring 
them back some new gowns, caps, rings, and all sorts of 
trinkets. But Beauty asked for nothing ; for she thought in 
herself that all the ship was worth would hardly buy every- 


BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 


25 


thing her sisters wished for. Beauty/’ said the merchant, 
how comes it that you ask for nothing : what can I bring 
you, my child ? ” 

Since you are so kind as to think of me, dear father,” 
she answered, I should be glad if you would bring me a 
rose, for we have none in our garden.” Now Beauty did 
not indeed wish for a rose, nor anything else, but she only 
said this that she might not offend her sisters. If she had 
not done so, they would have said she wanted her father to 
praise her for desiring nothing. 

The merchant took his leave of them, and set out on his 
journey ; but when he got to the ship, some persons went to 
law with him about the cargo, and after a deal of trouble he 
started to go back to his cottage as poor as he had left it. 

When he was within thirty miles of his home, and thinking 
of the joy of again meeting his children, he lost his way in the 
midst of a dense forest. It rained and snowed very hard, 
and, besides, the wind was so high as to throw him twice 
from his horse. Night came on, and he feared he should die 
of cold and hunger, or be torn to pieces by the wolves that 
he heard howling round him. 

All at once, he cast his eyes towards a long avenue, and 
saw at the end of it a light, which seemed a great way off. 
He made the best of his way towards it, and found that it 
came from a splendid palace, the windows of which were all 
blazing with light. It had great bronze gates, standing 
wide open, and fine court-yards, through which the mer- 
chant passed ; but not a living soul was to be seen. 

There were stables too, which his poor starved horse, less 
scrupulous than himself, entered at once, and took a good 
meal of oats and hay. His master then tied him up, and 


26 


BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. 


walked towards the entrance hall, but still without seeing a 
single creature. He went on to a large dining-parlor, where 
he found a good fire, and a table covered with some very 
nice dishes, but only one plate with a knife and fork. As 
the snow and rain had wet him to the skin, he went up 
to the fire to dry himself. I hope,” said he, the master 
of the house or his servants will excuse me, for it surely will 
not be long now before I see them.” 

He waited some time, but still nobody came ; at last the 
clock struck eleven, and the merchant, being quite faint for 
want of food, helped himself to a chicken, and to a few 
glasses of wine, yet all the time trembling with fear. 

He sat till the clock struck twelve, and then, taking cour- 
age, began to think he might as well look about him. So he 
opened a door at the end of the hall, and went through it 
into a very grand room, in which there was a fine bed ; and 
as he was feeling very weary, he shut the door, took off his 
clothes, and got into it. 

It was ten o’clock in the morning before he awoke, when 
he was amazed to see a handsome new suit of clothes laid 
ready for him, instead of his own, which were all torn and 
spoiled. To be sure,” said he to himself, this place 
belongs to some good fairy, who has taken pity on my ill- 
luck.” He looked out of the window, and instead of the 
snow-covered wood, where he had lost himself the previous 
night, he saw the most charming arbors covered with all 
kinds of flowers. 

Returning to the hall where he had supped, he found a 
breakfast table, ready prepared. Indeed, my good fairy,” 
said the merchant, aloud, I am vastly obliged to you for 
your kind care of me.” He then made a hearty breakfast. 


BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 


27 


took his hat, and was going to the stable to pay his horse a 
visit ; but as he passed under one of the arbors, which was 
loaded with roses, he thought of what Beauty had asked 
him to bring back to her, and so he took a bunch of roses 
to carry home. 

At the same moment he heard a loud noise, and saw com- 
ing towards him a beast, so frightful to look at that he was 
ready to faint with fear. Ungrateful man ! said the 
beast, in a terrible voice, have saved your life by admit- 
ting you into my palace, and in return you steal my roses, 
which I value more than anything I possess. But you shall 
atone for your fault : you shall die in a quarter of an hour.’' 

The merchant fell on his knees, and, clasping his hands, 
said : Sir, I humbly beg your pardon ; I did not think it 
would offend you to gather a rose for one of my daughters, 
who had entreated me to bring her one home. Do not kill 
me, my lord ! ” 

‘‘ I am not a lord, but a beast,” replied the monster: “I 
hate false compliments ; so do not fancy that you can coax 
me by any such ways. You tell me that you have daughters : 
now I will suffer you to escape, if one of them will come and 
die in your stead. If not, promise that you will yourself 
return in three months, to be dealt with as I may choose.” 

The tender-hearted merchant had no thoughts of letting 
any one of his daughters die for his sake ; but he knew that 
if he seemed to accept the beast’s terms, he should at least 
have the pleasure of seeing them once again. So he gave 
his promise, and was told he might then set off as soon as 
he liked. But,” said the beast, “ I do not wish you to go 
back empty-handed. Go to the room you slept in, and you 
will find a chest there ; fill it with whatsoever you like 


28 


BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. 


best, and I will have it taken to your own house for 
you.” 

When the beast had said this, he went away. The good 
merchant, left to himself, began to consider that, as he must 
die, — for he had no thought of breaking a promise, made 
even to a beast, — he might as well have the comfort of 
leaving his children provided for. 

He returned to the room he had slept in, and found there 
heaps of gold pieces lying about. He filled the chest with 
them to the very brim, locked it, and, mounting his horse, left 
the palace as sorrowful as he had been glad when he first 
beheld it. The horse took a path across the forest of his own 
accord, and in a few hours they reached the merchant’s house. 

His children came running round him, but, instead of kiss- 
ing them with joy, he could not help weeping as he looked 
at them. He held in his hand the bunch of roses, which he 
gave to Beauty, saying, Take these roses. Beauty ; but little 
do you think how dear they have cost your poor father ; ” 
and then he gave them an account of all that he had seen 
or heard in the palace of the beast. 

The two eldest sisters now began to shed tears, and to 
lay the blame upon Beauty, who, they said, would be the 
cause of her father’s death. See,” said they, what hap- 
pens from the pride of the little wretch : why did not she 
ask for such things as we did ? But, to be sure. Miss must 
not be like other people ; and though she will be the cause 
of her father’s death, yet she does not shed a tear.” 

It would be useless,” replied Beauty ; for my father 
shall not die. As the beast will accept one of his daugh- 
ters, I will give myself up, and be only too happy to prove 
my love for the best of fathers.” 


BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. 


29 


No, sister,” said the three brothers, with one voice ; 

that cannot be : we will go in search of this monster, and 
either he or we shall perish.” 

Do not hope to kill him,” said the merchant ; his 
power is far too great. But Beauty’s young life shall not 
be sacrificed : I am old, and cannot expect to live much 
longer; so I shall but give up a few years of my life, and 
shall only grieve for the sake of my children.” 

Never, father ! ” cried Beauty. If you go back to the 
palace, you cannot hinder my going after you. Though 
young, I am not over-fond of life; and I would much, rather 
be eaten up by the monster, than die of grief for your loss.” 

The merchant in vain tried to reason with Beauty, who 
still kept firmly to her purpose. This, in truth, made her 
two sisters glad ; for they were jealous of her, because 
everybody loved her. 

The merchant was so grieved at the thoughts of losing his 
child, that he never once thought of the chest filled with gold ; 
but at night, to his great surprise, he found it standing by 
his bedside. He said nothing about his riches to his eldest 
daughters, for he knew very well it would at once make 
them want to return to town ; but he told Beauty his secret, 
and she then said, that, while he was away, two gentlemen 
had been on a visit at their cottage, who had fallen in love 
with her two sisters. She entreated her father to marry 
them without delay ; for she was so sweet-natured, she only 
wished them to be happy. 

Three months went by, only too fast, and then the mer- 
chant and Beauty got ready to set out for the palace of the 
beast. Upon this, the two sisters rubbed their eyes with an 
onion, to make believe they were crying; while the mer- 


30 


BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 


chant and his sons cried in earnest. Only Beauty shed no 
tears. 

They reached the palace in a very few hours, and 
the horse, without bidding, went into the same stable as 
before. The merchant and Beauty walked towards the 
large hall, where they found a table covered with every 
dainty, and two plates laid ready. The merchant had very 
little appetite ; but Beauty, that she might the better hide 
her grief, placed herself at the table, and helped her father. 
She then began to eat herself, and thought all the time that 
to be sure the beast had a mind to fatten her before he ate 
her up, since he had provided such good cheer for her. 

When they had done their supper, they heard a great 
noise ; and the good old man began to bid his poor child 
farewell, for he knew it was the beast coming to them. 
When Beauty first saw that frightful form, she was very 
much terrified, but tried to hide her fear. The creature 
walked up to her, and eyed her all over ; then asked her, 
in a dreadful voice, if she had come quite of her own accord. 
“ Yes,” said Beauty. 

Then you are a good girl, and I am very much obliged 
to you.” 

This was such an astonishingly civil answer, that Beauty’s 
courage rose. It sank again when the beast, addressing 
the merchant, desired him to leave the palace next morning, 
and never return to it again. And so good-night, mer- 
chant. And good-night. Beauty.” 

Good-night, beast,” she answered, as the monster 
shuffled out of the room. 

Ah ! my dear child,” said the merchant, kissing his 
daughter, I am half-dead already, at the thought of leav- 


BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 


31 


ing you with this dreadful beast ; you shall go back and let 
me stay in your place ” 

No,” said Beauty, boldly, I will never agree to that ; 
you must go home to-morrow morning.” 

They then wished each other good-night, and went to 
bed, both of them thinking they should not be able to close 
their eyes ; but as soon as ever they had lain down, they 
fell into a deep sleep, and did not awake till morning. 

Beauty dreamed that a lady came up to her, who said, I 
am very much pleased. Beauty, with the goodness you have 
shown in being willing to give your life to save that of 
your father. Do not be afraid of anything ; you shall not 
go without a reward.” 

As soon as Beauty awoke, she told her father this dream ; 
but though it gave him some comfort, he was a long time 
before he could be persuaded to leave the palace. At last 
Beauty succeeded in getting him safely away. 

When her father was out of sight, poor Beauty began to 
weep sorely. But, having naturally a courageous spirit, 
she soon resolved not to make her sad case still worse by 
sorrow, which she knew was vain, but to wait and be 
patient. She walked about to take a view of all the palace, 
the elegance of every part of which much pleased her. 

But what was her surprise, when she came to a door on 
which was written. Beauty’s Room ! She opened it in 
haste, and her eyes were dazzled by the splendor and taste 
of the apartment. What made her wonder more than all 
the rest, was a large library filled with books, a harp, 
and many pieces of music. ^^The beast surely does not 
mean to eat me up immediately,” said she, since he takes 
care I shall not be at a loss how to amuse myself” She 


32 


BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. 


opened the library, and saw these verses written in letters 
of gold on the back of one of the books : — 

‘‘ Beauteous lad}", diy your tears, 

Here’s no cause for sighs or fears ; 

Command as freely as you may. 

For you command and I obe}^” 

Alas ! ” said she, sighing ; I wish I could only command 
a sight of my poor father, and know what he is doing at 
this moment.” Just then, by chance, she cast her eyes on 
a looking-glass that stood near her, and in it she saw a pic- 
ture of her old home, and her father riding mournfully up 
to the door. 

Her sisters came out to meet him, and, although they 
tried to look sorry, it was easy to see that in their hearts 
they were very glad. In a short time all this picture dis- 
appeared; but it caused Beauty to think that the beast, 
besides being very powerful, was also very kind. 

About the middle of the day she found a table laid ready 
for her, and a sweet concert of music played all the time 
she was dining, without her seeing anybody. But at sup- 
per, when she was going to seat herself at table, she heard 
the noise of the beast, and could not help trembling with 
fear when he entered the room. 

Beauty,” said he, ‘‘will you give me leave to see you 
sup?” 

“ That is as you please,” answered she, very much afraid. 

“ Not in the least,” said the beast ; “ you alone command 
in this place. If you should not like my company, you 
need only say so, and I will leave you that moment. But 
tell me. Beauty, do you not think me very ugly ? ” 


BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. 


33 


Why, yes/’ said she, for I cannot tell a lie ; but then 
I think you are very good.” 

Am I? ” sadly replied the beast ; yet, besides being 
ugly, I am also very stupid : I know well enough that I am 
but a beast.” 

Very stupid people,” said Beauty, are never aware of 
it themselves.” 

At which kindly speech the beast looked pleased, and 
replied, not without an awkward sort of politeness, Pray 
do not let me detain you from supper, and be sure that you 
are well served. All you see is your own, and I should be 
deeply grieved if you wanted for anything.” 

You are very kind, — so kind, that I almost forget you 
are so ugly,” said Beauty, earnestly. * 

Ah, yes ! ” answered the beast, with a great sigh ; I 
hope I am good-tempered, but still I am only a monster.” 

There is many a monster who wears the form of a man : 
of the two, it is better to have the heart of a man and the 
form of a monster.” 

I would thank you. Beauty, for this speech, but I am 
too senseless to say anything that would please you,” 
returned the beast, in a sad voice. Altogether he seemed 
so gentle and so unhappy, that Beauty, who had the ten- 
derest heart in the world, felt her fear of him gradually 
vanish. 

She ate her supper with a good appetite, and conversed 
in her own sensible and charming way, till at last, when 
the beast rose to depart, he terrified her more than ever by 
saying abruptly, in his gruff voice, Beauty, will you marry 
me ? ” 

Now Beauty, frightened as she was, would speak only 


34 


BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. 


the exact truth. Besides, her father had told her that the 
beast liked only to have the truth spoken to him. So she 
answered, in a very firm tone, No, beast.” 

He did not go into a passion, or do anything but sigh 
deeply, and depart. 

When Beauty found herself alone, she began to feel pity 
for the poor beast. Oh ! ” said she, what a sad thing it 
is that he should be so very frightful, since he is so good- 
tempered ! ” 

Beauty lived three months in this palace, very well pleased. 
The beast came to see her every night, and talked with her 
while she supped ; and though what he said was not very 
clever, yet she saw in him every day some new goodness. 

Instead of dreading the time of his coming, she soon 
began to look constantly at her watch, to see if it were nipe 
o’clock ; for that was the hour when he never failed to visit 
her. One thing only vexed her, which was that every 
night, before he went away, he always made it a rule to ask 
her if she would be his wife, and seemed very much grieved 
at her steadfastly replying, No.'’ 

At last, one night, she said to him, You wound me 
greatly, beast, by forcing me to refuse you so often. I wish 
I could take such a liking to you as to agree to marry you ; 
but I must tell you plainly, that I do not think it will ever 
happen. I shall always be your friend ; so try to let that 
content you.” 

I must,” sighed the beast, for I know well enough 
how frightful I am ; but I love you better than myself. 
Yet I think I am very lucky in your being pleased to stay 
with me : now promise me. Beauty, that you will never 
leave me.” 


BEAUTY AND TEE BEAST. 


35 


Beauty would almost have agreed to this, so sorry was 
she for him, but she had that day seen in her magic glass, 
which she looked at constantly, that her father was dying 
of grief for her sake. 

Alas ! ” she said, I long so much to see my father, that 
if you do not give me leave to visit him, I shall break my 
heart.” 

would rather break mine. Beauty,” answered the 
beast ; I will send you to your father’s cottage : you shall 
stay there, and your poor beast shall die of sorrow.” 

No,” said Beauty, crying, I love you too well to be the 
cause of your death ; I promise to return in a week. You 
have shown me that my sisters are married, and my brothers 
are gone for soldiers, so that my father is left all alone. Let 
me stay a week with him.” 

You shall find yourself with him to-morrow morning,” 
replied the beast ; but mind, do not forget your promise. 
When you wish to return, you have nothing to do but to 
put your ring on a table when you go to bed. Good-by, 
Beauty ! ” The beast sighed as he said these words, 
and Beauty went to bed very sorry to see him so much 
grieved. 

When she awoke in the morning, she found herself in her 
father’s cottage. She rang a bell that was . at her bedside, 
and a servant entered ; but as soon as she saw Beauty, the 
woman gave a loud shriek ; upon which the merchant ran 
upstairs, and when he beheld his daughter he ran to her, 
and kissed her a hundred times. 

At last Beauty began to remember that she had brought 
no clothes with her to put on ; but the servant told her she 
had just found in the next room a large chest full of dresses, 


36 


BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. 


trimmed all over with gold, and adorned with pearls and 
diamonds. 

Beauty, in her own mind, thanked the beast for his kind- 
ness, and put on the plainest gown she could find among 
them all. She then desired the servant to lay the rest aside, 
for she intended to give them to her sisters ; but, as soon as 
she had spoken these words, the chest was gone out of sight 
in a moment. Her father then suggested, that perhaps the 
beast chose that she keep them all for herself As soon as 
he had said this, they saw the chest standing again in the 
same place. 

While Beauty was dressing herself, a servant brought 
word to her that her sisters were come with their husbands 
to pay her a visit. They both lived unhappily with the 
gentlemen they had married. The husband of the eldest 
was very handsome, but was so proud of this, that he 
thought of nothing else from morning till night, and did not 
care a pin for the beauty of his wife. The second had mar- 
ried a man of great learning ; but he made no use of it, 
except to torment and offend all his friends, and his wife 
more than any of them. 

The two sisters were ready to burst with spite when they 
saw Beauty dressed like a princess, and looking so very 
charming. All the kindness that she showed them was of 
no use ; for they were vexed more than ever when she told 
them how happily she lived at the palace of the beast. The 
spiteful creatures went by themselves into the garden, where 
they cried to think of her good fortune. 

Why should the little wretch be better off than we ? ” 
said they. We are much handsomer than she is.” 

“ Sister ! ” said the eldest, a thought has just come into 


BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. 


37 


my head. Let us try to keep her here longer than the week 
for which the beast gave her leave ; and then he will be so 
angry, that perhaps when she goes back to him he will eat 
her up in a moment.” 

That is well thought of,” answered the other ; but, to 
do this, we must pretend to be very kind.” 

They then went to join her in the cottage, where they 
showed her so much false love, that Beauty could not help 
crying for joy. 

When the week was ended, the two sisters began to pre- 
tend such grief at the thought of her leaving them, that she 
agreed to stay a week more : but all that time Beauty could 
not help fretting for the sorrow that she knew her absence 
would give her poor beast ; for she tenderly loved him, and 
much wished for his company again. Among all the grand 
and clever people she saw, she found nobody who was half 
so sensible, so loving, so thoughtful, or so kind. 

The tenth night of her stay at the cottage, she dreamed 
she was in the garden of the palace ; that the beast lay dying 
on a grass-plot, and with his last breath put her in mind of 
her promise, and laid his death to her forsaking him. Beauty 
awoke in a great fright, and burst into tears. Am not I 
wicked,” said she, to behave so ill to a beast who has shown 
me so much kindness ? Why should not I marry him ? I 
am sure I should be more happy with him than my sisters 
are with their husbands. He shall not be wretched any 
longer on my account ; for I should do nothing but blame 
myself all the rest of my life.” 

She then rose, put her ring on the table, got into bed 
again, and soon fell asleep. In the morning she with joy 
found herself in the palace of the beast. She dressed her- 


38 


BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. 


self very carefully, that she might please him the better, 
and thought she had never known a day pass away so slowly. 
At last the clock struck nine, but the beast did not come. 
Beauty, dreading lest she might truly have caused his death, 
ran from room to room, calling out, Beast, dear beast ; ” 
but there was no answer. 

At last she remembered her dream, rushed to the grass- 
plot, and there saw him lying apparently dead beside the 
fountain. Forgetting all his ugliness, she threw herself upon 
his body, and, finding his heart still beating, she fetched 
some water and sprinkled it over him, weeping and sobbing 
the while. 

The beast opened his eyes. You forgot your promise. 
Beauty, and so I determined to die ; for I could not live 
without you. I have starved myself to death, but I shall die 
content since I have seen your face once more.” 

No, dear beast ! ” cried Beauty, passionately, you shall 
not die ; you shall live to be my husband. I thought it was 
only friendship I felt for you, but now I know it was love.” 

The moment Beauty had spoken these words, the palace 
was suddenly lighted up, and all kinds of rejoicings were 
heard around them, none of which she noticed, but hung 
over her dear beast with the utmost tenderness. At last, 
unable to restrain herself, she dropped her head over her 
hands, covered her eyes, and cried for joy ; and, when she 
looked up again, the beast was gone. In his stead she saw 
at her feet a handsome, graceful young prince, who thanked 
her with the tenderest words for having freed him from 
enchantment. 

“But where is my poor beast? I only want him and 
nobody else,” sobbed Beauty. 


BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. 


39 


I am he/’ replied the prince. A wicked fairy con- 
demned me to that form, and forbade me to show that I 
had any wit or sense, till a beautiful lady should consent to 
marry me. You alone, dearest Beauty, judged me neither 
by my looks nor by my talents, but by my heart alone. 
Take it, then, and all that I have besides, for all is yours.” 

Beauty, full of surprise, but very happy, suffered the 
prince to lead her to his palace, where she found her father 
and sisters, who had been brought there by the fairy-lady 
whom she had seen in a dream the first night she came. 

Beauty,” said the fairy, “ you have chosen well, and 
you have your reward, for a true heart is better than either 
good looks or clever brains. As for you, ladies,” and she 
turned to the two elder sisters, I know all your ill deeds, 
but I have no worse punishment for you than to see your 
sister happy. You shall stand as statues at the door of 
her palace, and when you repent and have amended your 
faults, you shall become women again. But, to tell you 
the truth, I very much fear you will remain statues for 
ever.” 


IV. 


THE PRINCESS AND THE NUTS. 


Once upon a time there lived a king who had three 
daughters. The two eldest were proud and ugly, but the 
youngest was the gentlest and most beautiful creature ever 
seen, and the pride not only of her father and mother, but 
of all in the land. 

As it fell out, the three princesses were talking one night 
of whom they would marry. ‘^I will have no one lower 
than a king,” said the eldest princess. The second would 
take a prince, or a great duke even. “ Pho, pho,” said the 
youngest, laughing, you are both so proud ; now, I would 
be content with the Red Bull of Norroway.” They thought 
no more of the matter till the next morning, when, as they 
sat at breakfast, they heard the most dreadful bellowing at 
the door, and what should it be but the Red Bull come for 
his bride. 

You may be sure they were all terribly frightened at 
this, for the Red Bull was one of the most horrible creatures 
ever seen in the world. The king and queen did not know 
how to save their daughter. At last they determined to 
send him off with the old nurse. So they put her on his 
back, and away he went with her till he came to a great 
black forest, when, throwing her down, he returned, roar- 


THE PRINCESS AND THE NUTS. 


41 


ing louder and more frightfully than ever. They then sent, 
one by one, all the servants, and then the two eldest prin- 
cesses. But not one of them met with any better treat- 
ment than the old nurse, and at last they were forced to 
send their youngest and favorite child. 

On travelled the lady and the bull through many dreadful 
forests and lonely wastes, till they came at last to a noble 
castle, where a large company was gathered. The lord of 
the castle pressed them to stay, though much he wondered 
at the lovely princess and her strange companion. 

When they went in among the company, the princess 
espied a pin sticking in the bull’s hide, which she pulled out, 
and, to the surprise of all, there appeared, not a frightful wild 
beast, but one of the most beautiful princes ever beheld. 
You may believe how delighted the princess was to see him 
fall at her feet, and thank her for breaking his cruel en- 
chantment. There were great rejoicings in the castle at 
this ; but, alas ! at that moment the prince suddenly dis- 
appeared, and though every place was sought, he was 
nowhere to be found. 

The princess, however, determined to seek through all 
the world for him, and many weary ways she went, but 
nothing could she hear of her lover. 

Travelling once through a dark wood, she lost her way, 
and as night was coming on, she thought she must now 
certainly die of cold and hunger. But seeing a light 
through the trees, she went on till she came to a little hut, 
where an old woman lived, who took her in, and gave her 
both food and shelter. In the morning, the old wife gave 
her three nuts, which she was not to break till her heart 
was like to break, and over again like to break.” Then 


42 


THE PRINCESS AND THE NUTS. 


showing her the way, she bade God speed her ; and the prin- 
cess once more set out on her wearisome journey. 

She had not gone far before a company of lords and 
ladies rode past her, all talking merrily of the fine doings 
they expected at the Duke of Norroway’s wedding. Then 
she came up to a number of people carrying all sorts of 
fine things, and they, too, were going to the duke’s wedding. 
At last she came to a castle, where nothing was to be seen 
but cooks and bakers, some running one way and some 
another, and all so busy that they did not know what to do 
first. 

Whilst she was looking at all this, she heard a noise of 
hunters behind her, and some one cried out, Make way 
for the Duke of Norroway ! ” and who should ride past but 
the prince a;nd a beautiful lady. 

You may be sure her heart was now like to break, and 
over again like to break,” at this sad sight. So she broke 
one of the nuts, and out came a wee wifie carding. The 
princess then went into the castle, and asked to see the 
lady, who no sooner saw the wee wifie so hard at work, 
than she offered the princess anything in her castle for it. 
" I will give it to you,” said she, only on condition that 
you put off for one day your marriage with the Duke of 
Norroway, and that I may go into his room alone to-night.’' 
So anxious was the lady for the nut, that she consented. 

When dark night was come, and the duke fast asleep, the 
princess was put alone into his chamber. Sitting down by 
his bedside, she began singing : — 

“ Far have I sought thee, near am I brought to thee ; 

Dear Duke of Norroway, won’t 3^011 turn and speak to me ? ” 

Tliough she sang this over and over again, the duke 


THE PRINCESS AND THE NUTS 


43 


never awakened, and in the morning the princess had to 
leave him, without his knowing she had ever been there. 

She then broke the second nut, and out came a wee wifie 
spinning, which so delighted the lady, that she readily agreed 
to put off her marriage another day for it. But the prin- 
cess had no better luck the second night than the first. 
Then, almost in despair, she broke the last nut, which con- 
tained a wee wifie reeling, and on the same condition as 
before the lady got possession of it. 

When the duke was dressing in the morning, his man asked 
him what the strange singing and moaning that had been 
heard in his room for two nights meant. I heard nothing,’' 
said the duke : "it could only have been your fancy.” 

Take no sleeping-draught to-night, and be sure to lay 
aside your pillow of heaviness,” said the man, and you will 
also hear what for two nights has kept me awake.” The duke 
did so ; and the princess, coming in, sat down sighing at his 
bedside, thinking this the last time she might ever see him. 

The duke started up when he heard the voice of his 
dearly loved princess. With many endearing words of sur- 
prise and joy, he explained to her that he had long been in 
the power of an enchantress, whose spells over him were 
now happily ended by their once again meeting. The prin- 
cess, overjoyed to be the means of his second deliverance, 
consented to marry him ; and the enchantress, who fled that 
country, afraid of the duke’s anger, has never since been 
heard of. 

All was then hurry and preparation in the castle, and the 
marriage, which now took place at once, ended the adven- 
tures of the Red Bull of Norroway and the w^anderings of 
the king’s daughter. 


V. 


FORTUNATUS. 


In the famous Island of Cyprus there is a stately city 
called Famagosta, in which lived a wealthy citizen named 
Theodore. His parents died while he was still young, and 
thus becoming his own master he gave himself up to every 
pleasure, resorting constantly to the courts of princes. He 
there spent all his wealth in riotous living, to the grief of 
his friends, who, thinking to make him leave his idle 
courses, got him married to a rich citizen’s daughter named 
Gratiana. 

In one year after their marriage they had a son, who was 
named Fortunatus, and Theodore, in a short time, began 
again to follow his old, bad courses. He sold and mort- 
gaged his land, until he had wasted all his estate, so that 
he fell into extreme poverty. Gratiana was forced to dress 
her meat and wash her clothes herself, not being able to 
keep one servant, or hire the meanest assistance. 

Theodore and his wife sitting one day at a poor dinner, 
he could hardly refrain from weeping. His son, who was 
now about eighteen years of age, and skilled in hunting, 
hawking, and playing on the lute, perceived this, and said. 

Father, what ails you ? for I observe, when you look upon 
me, you seem sad. Sir, I have some way offended you.” 


FORTUNATUS. 


45 


Theodore answered, “ My dear son, thou art not to blame 
for my grief, but I myself who have been the sole cause 
of the pinching poverty we all feel. When I call to mind 
the wealth and honor so lately enjoyed, and when I con- 
sider how unable I am to help my child, it is that which 
vexes me.” 

To this his son replied, Beloved father, do not take 
such care for me, for I am young and strong. I have not 
been so brought up but that I can shift for myself I will 
go abroad and try my fortune. I fear not but I shall find 
work and preferment.” 

Soon after, without the least ceremony, Fortunatus set 
out, with a hawk on his hand, and travelled towards the 
sea-side, wdiere he espied a galley of Venice lying at anchor. 
He inquired what ship she was, and where bound, hoping 
he might here find emplojnnent. He was told the Earl of 
Flanders was on board, and had lost two of his men. 

Fortunatus, wishing that he could obtain a place as one 
of the servants, and so get aw^ay from his home, where his 
poverty was so well known, stepped up to the earl, and said, 

I understand, noble lord, you have lost two of your men, 
if it so please you, I desire to be received into your service.” 

What wages do you ask ? ” says the earl. “ No wages,” 
said Fortunatus, ^^but to be rewarded according to my 
deserts.” This answer pleased the earl, so they agreed, and 
sailed to Venice. 

The earl then returned to his own country, and was joy- 
fully received by his subjects, and welcomed by his neigh- 
bors, for he was a very affable and just prince. Soon after 
his return he married the Duke of Cleve’s daughter, who 
was a very beautiful lady. At the wedding, to which came 


46 


FORTUNATUS. 


several lords, tournaments were held before the ladies, 
where all the nobles fought; and though there were so 
many gentlemen, yet none behaved so well as Fortunatus. 

After the nobles had finished their delightful games, the 
duke and the bride and bridegroom agreed to let their ser- 
vants try their manhood at several pastimes for two jewels, 
each worth a hundred crowns. This made all the servants 
glad, every one striving to do his best. 

The Duke of Burgundy’s servant won one, and Fortu- 
natus the other, which displeased the other servants. Upon 
which they desired the duke’s servant to challenge Fortu- 
natus to fight him before the ladies, the winner to have 
both jewels. This challenge he accepted. Coming to the 
tilt-yard, they met each other very briskly, and at last 
Fortunatus hoisted the duke’s servant quite off his horse, at 
spear’s length. Whereupon he obtained the victory, and 
got the jewels. This increased the envy of all the other 
servants, but much rejoiced the earl. 

Among the earl’s servants was a crafty old fellow, who 
consulted with the rest of the servants, and agreed, for ten 
crowns, to make Fortunatus quit his master’s service of his 
own accord. To accomplish the affair, he pretended great 
friendship to Fortunatus, treating him, and praising him 
much for his great courage. 

At last he told him he had a secret to reveal to him, which 
was, tliat his lord having conceived a jealousy of his two 
chamberlains, of whom Fortunatus was one, he had a design 
privately to have them whipped. This much amazed Fortu- 
natus, who desired his fellow-servant to inform him how 
to slip away ; for,” said he, I had rather wander as a 
vagabond, than be so served.” Says Eobert, I am sorry 


FORTUNATUS. 


47 


I told you anything, since I shall now lose your company” 
Being resolved to go off, however, he desired Robert to con- 
ceal his departure, and mounting his horse rode away. 

When Fortunatus had ridden ten miles, he bought an- 
other horse, and returned the earl’s, that he might not pur- 
sue him. Now, when the earl found he was gone without 
his leave, not knowing the cause, he was offended, and 
demanded of the servants if they knew the occasion ; 
which they all denied. Then he went to the ladies and 
gentlewomen, and inquired of them if they knew anything 
of his departure. And they too answered, no. 

Then said the earl, Though the cause of his departure 
is hidden from me, yet I am persuaded he is not gone 
without some cause, which I will find out, if it be possible.” 
When Robert found his lord was so vexed for the loss of 
Fortunatus, he went and hanged himself, for fear of being 
discovered. 

Fortunatus, having sent home his master’s horse, travelled 
with all speed to Calais, where he took shipping, and 
arrived safe in England. Coming to London, he met with 
some young Cyprus merchants, his countrymen, who riot- 
ously spent their money in gaming ; so that in about half 
a year’s time their cash was quite spent. Fortunatus, hav- 
ing least, was soon exhausted. 

Being now penniless, he went to some of his landladies to 
borrow three crowns, telling them he wanted to go to Flan- 
ders to fetch four hundred crowns that were in his uncle’s 
hands ; but he was denied, and none would they lend him. 
He then desired to be trusted for a quart of wine ; but they 
refused, and bid the servants fetch him a pint of small beer. 
He then took shipping, and soon arrived in Picardy in France. 


48 


FORTUNATUS. 


Travelling through a wood, and being benighted, he made 
up to an old house, where he hoped to find some relief; but 
there was no creature in it. Then, hearing a noise of bears, 
he got up into a tree, where one of them had climbed. For- 
tunatus, being surprised, drew his sword, and struck the 
bear, so that he fell from the tree. The rest of the beasts 
being gone, Fortunatus came down from the tree, and, 
laying his mouth to the wound, sucked out some of the 
blood, with which he was refreshed, and then slept until 
morning. 

As soon as Fortunatus awoke,, he saw standing before 
him a fair lady, with her eyes muffled. I beseech thee,” 
said he, sweet lady, to assist me, that I may get out of 
this wood, for I have travelled a great way without food.” 
She asked what country he was of He replied, Of 
Cyprus, and am constrained by poverty to seek my for- 
tune.” Fear not, Fortunatus,” said she ; I am the God- 
dess Fortune, and by the permission of Heaven have the 
power of six gifts, one of which I will bestow on thee. So 
choose for yourself They are. Wisdom, Strength, Riches, 
Health, Beauty, and Long Life.” 

Said Fortunatus, I desire to have Riches as long as I 
live.” With that she gave him a purse, saying, As often 
as you put your hand into this purse, you shall find ten 
pounds of the coin of any nation you shall happen to be 
among.” Fortunatus returned many thanks to the god- 
dess. Then she bid him follow her out of the wood, and so 
vanished. 

He then put his hand into the purse, and drew out the 
first-fruits of the goddess’s bounty, with which he went to 
an inn, and refreshed himself After which he paid his 


FORTUNATUS. 


49 


host, and instantly departed, as doubting the reality of his 
money, notwithstanding the evidence of his hands and eyes. 

Two miles from this wood was a little town and castle, 
where dwelt an earl who owned the wood. Fortunatus 
here took up his lodging at the best inn, and asked the 
host if he could help him to some good horses. The host 
told him there was a dealer who had several very fine 
ones, of which the earl had chosen three ; but was refused, 
though he offered three hundred crowns for them. Fortu- 
natus went to his chamber, and took out of his purse six 
hundred crowns, and bid the host to send for the dealer with 
his horses. 

The host at first supposed he had been in jest, seeing 
him so meanly apparelled ; but on being convinced by 
the sight of the money, the dealer and horses were sent 
for, and Fortunatus, with a few words, bargained for two 
of those the earl had wanted, and gave three hundred 
crowns for them. He bought also costly saddles and furni- 
ture, and desired his host to get him two servants. 

The earl, hearing that the two horses had been bought 
out of his hands, grew angry, and sent to the innkeeper, to 
be informed who he was. The earl, being told that he was 
a stranger, commanded him to be apprehended, imagining 
he had committed some robbery. Fortunatus, on being ques- 
tioned who he was, answered he was born in Cyprus, and 
was the son of a decayed gentleman. The earl asked him 
how he got so much money. He told him he came by it 
honestly. 

Then the earl swore in a violent passion, that if he 
would not discover, he would put him to the rack. Fortu- 
natus proposed to die rather than reveal it. Upon this he 


50 


FORTUNATUS. 


was put on the rack ; and being again asked how he got so 
many crowns, he said that he found them in a wood adjoin- 
ing. “ Thou villain,” said the earl^ the money you found 
is mine, and thy body and goods are forfeited.” 0 my 
gracious lord,” said he, knew not it was in your 
estate.” ‘^But,” said the earl, “this shall not excuse you, 
for to-day I will take thy goods, and to-morrow thy life.” 

Then did Fortunatus wish he had chosen Wisdom instead 
of Riches. He, however, so earnestly begged for his life that 
the earl, at the entreaty of som.e of the nobles, spared his 
life, and restored him the crowns and his purse, and charged 
him never to come into his country. Fortunatus rejoiced 
that he had escaped so well, and had not lost his purse. 

After this he travelled towards his own country, and hav- 
ing got horses and servants to attend him, he arrived at 
last at Famagosta. Here he was told that his father and 
mother were dead. He then purchased his father’s house, 
pulled it down, and built a stately palace. He also built a 
fine church, and had three tombs made : one for his father 
and mother, the other for the wife he intended to marry, 
and the last for his heirs and himself 

Not far from Famagosta lived a lord who had three 
daughters, one of whom the King of Cyprus intended to 
bestow on Fortunatus, but gave him leave to take his 
choice. When Fortunatus had asked them a few questions^ 
he chose the youngest, to the great grief of the other two 
sisters; but the countess and earl approved of the match. 
Fortunatus presented the countess, his wife’s mother, and 
her two sisters with several rich jewels. 

Then the king offered to keep the wedding at his court ; 
but Fortunatus wished to keep it at his own palace, desiring 


FORTUNATUS. 


51 


the king and queen's company. ^^Then/’ said the king, 
will come with my queen and all my relations.” After 
four days, the king and all his company went to Fortunatus’ 
house, where they w’ere entertained in a grand manner. 
His house was adorned with costly furniture, glorious to 
behold. This feasting lasted forty days. Then the king 
returned to his court, vastly well satisfied with the enter- 
tainment. After this, Fortunatus made another feast for 
the citizens, their wives and daughters. 

Fortunatus and his wife Cassandra lived long in a happy 
state, and found no want of anything but children. But 
Fortunatus knew the virtue of his purse would fail at 
his death, if he had no heirs. Therefore he made it con- 
stantly his prayer to God that he would be pleased to send 
him a child. At length a son was born to him, and he 
named him Arthur. Shortly after, he had another son, 
for whom as well as for Arthur he provided the best of 
tutors, to take care they had an education suitable to their 
fortunes. 

Fortunatus, having been married twelve years, took it 
into his head to travel once more ; which his wife much 
opposed, desiring him, by all the love he bore to her and 
her dear children, not to leave them. But he was resolved, 
and soon after took leave of his wife and children, promis- 
ing them to return again in a short space. A few days 
after, he took shipping for Alexandria. There he stayed some 
time, and got acquainted with the sultan, whose favor he 
gained so as to receive letters to carry him safe through his 
dominions. 

Fortunatus, after supper, opened his purse, and gave to 
all the sultan’s servants very liberally. The sultan, being 


52 


FORTUNATUS. 


highly pleased, told Fortimatus he would show him such 
curiosities as he had never seen. Then he took him to 
a strong marble tower. In the first room were several 
very rich vessels and jewels; in the second he showed 
several vessels of gold coin, with a fine wardrobe of gar- 
ments, and golden candlesticks, which shone all over the 
room, and mightily pleased Fortunatus. 

Then the sultan showed him his bed-chamber, which was 
finely adorned ; and likewise a small felt hat, simple to 
behold ; saying, I set more value on this hat than all 
my jewels, as such another is not to be had, for it carries 
a person wherever he wishes to go.” 

Fortunatus imagined this hat would agree very well with 
his purse, and he thereupon put it on his head, saying, he 
should be very glad of a hat that had such virtue. With 
that he suddenly wished himself in his ship, it being then 
under sail, that he might return to his own country. The 
sultan, looking out of the window and seeing the ship 
under sail, was very angry, and commanded his men to 
fetch him back, declaring, if they took him, he should be 
immediately put to death. But all in vain. Fortunatus 
was too quick for them, and arriving safe at Famagosta, 
richly laden, was joyfully received by his wife, two sons, 
and the citizens. 

He now began to care for the advancement of his children, 
maintained a princely court, and provided masters to instruct 
his children in all manner of chivalry. The youngest was 
most inclined to behave manfully, which caused Fortunatus 
to bestow many jewels upon him for his exploits. When he 
had many years enjoyed all earthly pleasures, Cassandra 
died, which so grieved him, that he felt weary of life. 


FORTUNATUS. 


53 


Fortimatus, perceiving his death to be near at hand, said 
to his two sons, God has taken away your mother, who 
so tenderly nourished you, and I, perceiving death at hand, 
will show you how you may continue in honor unto your 
dying days ” 

Then he declared to them the virtue of his purse, and 
that it would last no longer than their lives. He also told 
them the virtues of his wishing-hat, and commanding them 
not to part with those jewels, but to keep them in common, 
and live friendly together, and not to make any person 
privy to their virtues ; for, said he, I have concealed them 
forty years, and never revealed them to any but you.” 
Having said this, he ceased to speak, and immediately gave 
up the ghost. His sons buried him in the magnificent church 
which he had built so many years before. 


VI. 


THE HISTORY 


OF 

SIR R. WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT. 



Richard Whittington was supposed to have been an out- 
cast, for he did not know his parents, who either died, or 
had left him to the parish of Taunton Dean, in Somerset- 
shire. He there became displeased with the cruel usage of 
his nurse, ran away from her at seven years of age, and trav- 
elled about the country, living upon the charity of well- 
disposed persons, till he grew up to be a fine sturdy youth. 
At last, being threatened with a whipping if he continued 
in that idle course of life, he resolved to go to London, 
whose streets he heard were paved with gold. 

Not knowing the way, he followed the carrier; and at 
night, for the little services he did him in rubbing his 
horses, he got from him a supper. When he arrived in this 
famous city, the carrier, supposing he would become a 
troublesome hanger-on, told him plainly he must leave the 
inn, and immediately seek out some employment. He then 
gave him a groat, and with this poor Whittington wandered 
about, not knowing any one. 

Being in a tattered garb, some pitied him as a forlorn 
wretch, but few gave him anything. What he had got being 
soon spent, his stomach craved supply ; but not having any- 
thing to satisfy it, he resolved rather to starve than steal. 









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WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT. 


55 


After two hungry days, and lying on the bulk-heads at 
night, weary and faint, he got to a merchant’s house in 
Leadenhall Street, where he made many signs of his dis- 
tressed condition. The ill-natured cook was ready to kick 
him from the door, saying, If you tarry here, I will kick 
you in the kennel.” This put him almost into despair, so he 
laid him down on the ground, being unable to go any farther. 

In the mean time, Mr. Fitzwarren, whose house it was, 
came from the Royal Exchange, and, seeing him there in 
that condition, demanded what he wanted, and sharply told 
him, if he did not immediately depart, he would cause 
him to be sent to the house of correction, calling him a 
lazy fellow. 

On this he got up, and after falling two or three times, 
through faintness and want of food, he made a bow, and 
told him he was a poor country fellow, in a starving condi* 
tion, and that, if he might be put in a way, he would 
refuse no labor, if it was only for his food. This raised a 
pity in the merchant towards him, and then wanting a 
scullion, he immediately ordered one of his servants to take 
him in, and gave orders how he should be employed. And 
so he was fed, to his great refreshment. 

This was the first step of Providence to raise him to what 
in time made him the city’s glory and the nation’s wonder. 
But he met with many difficulties, for the servants made 
sport of him, and the ill-natured cook told him, You are 
to come under me ; so look sharp, clean the spits and the 
dripping-pan, make the fires, wind up the jack, and nimbly 
do all other scullery work that I may set you about, or else 
I will break your head with my ladle, and kick you about 
like a foot-ball.'’ 


56 


WHITTINGTON AND HIS GAT. 


This was cold comfort, but better than starving ; and what 
gave him a beam of hope was that Miss Alice, his master’s 
daughter, hearing her father had entertained another ser- 
vant, came to see him, and ordered that he should be 
kindly used. After she had discojarsed with him about his 
kindred and method of life, and found his answers frank and 
honest, she ordered him some cast-off garments, and that 
he should be cleaned, and appear like a servant in the 
house. 

Then she went to her parents, and gave them her 
opinion of this stranger, which pleased them well, saying. 
He looks like a serviceable fellow to do kitchen drudgery, 
run on errands, clean shoes, and do such other things as the 
rest of the servants think beneath them.” 

By this time he was confirmed in his place, and a flock 
bed prepared in the garret for him. These circumstances 
pleased him, and he showed great diligence in the work, 
rising early and sitting up late, leaving nothing undone 
that he could do. But, alas ! as he was mostly under the 
cook-maid, he had but sour sauce to these little sweets. 
Being of a morose temper, she used her authority beyond 
reason ; so that, to keep in the family, he had many a 
broken head to bear patiently. 

The more he tried with good words to dissuade her from 
her cruelty, the more she insulted him, and not only abused 
him, but frequently complained against him, endeavoring to 
get him turned out of his service. But Miss Alice, hearing 
of her usage, interposed in his favor, so that she should not 
prevail against him. 

This was not the only misfortune he suffered, for, lying 
in a place for a long time unfrequented, such abundance of 


WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT. 


67 


rats and mice had bred there, that they were almost as 
troublesome by night as the cook was by day. They ran 
over his face, and disturbed him with their squeaking, so 
that he knew not what to think of his condition or how to 
mend it. 

After many disquieting thoughts, he at last comforted 
himself with the hopes that the cook might soon marry or 
die, or quit her service, and as for the rats and mice, a cat 
would be an effectual remedy against them. Soon after, a 
merchant came to dinner, and, as it rained hard, he stayed all 
night. Whittington having cleaned his shoes, and brought 
them to his chamber-door, he gave him a penny. 

This stock he improved, for, going along the street of an 
errand, he saw a woman with a cat under her arm ; so he 
desired to know' the price of it. The woman praised it for 
a good mouser, and told him, sixpence. But he declared 
that a penny was all his stock ; so she let him have it. He 
took the cat home, and kept her in a box all day, lest the 
cook should kill her if she came into the kitchen, and at 
night he set her to work for her living. Puss delivered 
him from one plague ; but the other remained, though not 
for many years. 

It was the custom with the worthy merchant, Mr. Hugh 
Fitzwarren, that God might give a greater blessing to his 
endeavors, to call all his servants together when he sent 
out a ship, and cause every one to venture something in it, 
to try their fortunes. For this they w^ere to pay nothing 
for freight or custom. 

Now all but Whittington appeared, and brought things 
according to their abilities. But Miss Alice being by, 
and supposing that poverty made him decline coming, 


58 


WHITTINGTON AND HIS GAT. 


ordered him to be called. He made several excuses ; but, 
being constrained to come, he said that he hoped they 
would not jeer a poor simple boy for being in expectation 
of turning merchant. All that he could claim as his own 
was but a poor cat, which he had bought for a penny, that 
had been given him for cleaning shoes, and which had much 
befriended him in keeping off the rats and mice. 

Upon this Miss Alice offered to lay something down for 
him ; but her father told her that, by the custom, it must 
be his own which must be ventured, and then ordered him 
to bring his cat. This he did, but with great reluctance, 
fancying nothing would come of it. He with tears deliv- 
ered it to the master of the ship, which was called the 
Unicorn,” and which fell down to Blackwall in order to 
proceed on her voyage. 

The cook-maid, who little thought how advantageous 
Whittington’s cat would prove, would jeer at him about his 
grand adventure, when she did not scold at him, and led 
him such a life that he grew weary of enduring it. Little 
expecting what ensued, he resolved rather to try Dame For- 
tune, than live in such great torment. So, having packed 
up his bundle overnight, he got out early on All-hallows’ 
day, intending to ramble about the country. As he went 
through Moorfields, he began to have pensive thoughts, and 
his resolutions began to fail him. 

However, on he went to Holloway, and sat down there 
to consider of the matter, when on a sudden Bow bells 
began to ring a merry peal. He listened, fancied they 
called him back from his intended journey, and promised 
him the good fortune that afterwards befell him. He 
thought they sang, — 


WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT 


59 


“ Turn again, Whittington, 

Lord Ma3^or of London.” 

This was a happy thought, as it made so great an impres- 
sion on him, that finding it early, and that he might be at 
home before the family were stirring, he turned back without 
delay. All things answered his expectation, for, having left 
the door ajar, he crept softly in, and got to his usual drudgery. 

During this time, the ship in which the cat was, was driven 
by contrary winds on the coast of Barbary, inhabited by 
Moors, and unknown to the English. Finding the people 
courteous, the master and factor traded with them. Bring- 
ing their wares of sundry sorts upon the decks, and open- 
ing them, they suited them so well, that the news was 
carried to the king, who sent for patterns, with which he 
was so pleased that he sent for the factor to his palace. 

Their entertainment, according to custom, was on the 
floor, covered with carpets interwoven with gold and silver, 
on which they sat cross-legged. This kind of table was 
no sooner laid with various dishes but the scent drew 
together a great number of rats and mice, who devoured 
all that came in their way. 

This much surprised the factor, who asked the nobles if 
these vermin were not offensive. Oh,” said they, “ very 
much so. His majesty would give half his revenue to be 
freed from them ; for they are not only offensive at his 
table, but his chamber and bed are so troubled with them, 
that he is always guarded, for fear of mischief.” The factor 
then remembering Whittington’s cat, and rejoicing at the 
occasion, told the king that he had an English beast in the 
ship which would rid all the court of them quickly. 

The king was overjoyed at hearing the good news, and 


60 


WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT. 


being anxious to be freed from those vermin, which so 
much spoiled his pleasure, disturbed his mind, and made all 
his enjoyments burdensome, desired to see this surprising 
creature. For such a thing,” he said, will load your 
ship with gold, diamonds, and rich pearls.” This large 
offer made the master endeavor the more to enhance the 
cat’s merits. She is the most admirable creature in the 
world,” he said ; and I cannot spare her, for she keeps my 
ship clear of them, otherwise they would destroy all my 
goods.” But his majesty would take no denial, saying, No 
price shall part us.” 

The cat being sent for, and the tables being spread, the 
vermin came as before ; then setting her on the table, she 
fell to it immediately, and killed them all in a trice. Then 
she came purring and curling up her tail to the king and 
queen, as if she asked a reward for her service ; whilst 
they admired her, protesting it was the finest diversion 
they had ever seen. 

His Moorish majesty was so pleased with the cat, that he 
gave ten times more for her than all the freight besides. 
The ship then sailed with a fair wind, and arrived safe at 
Blackwall, being the richest ship that ever came into Eng- 
land. The master took the cabinet of jewels with him on 
shore, for they were too rich a prize to be left on board, and 
presented his bill of lading to Mr. Fitzwarren, who praised 
God for such a prosperous voyage. 

When he called all of his servants to give each their due, 
the master showed him the cabinet of pearls and jewels, 
the sight of which much surprised him. On being told it 
was all for Whittington’s cat, he said, God forbid that I 
should deprive him of one farthing of it.” 


WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT 


61 


He then sent for him by the title of Mr. Whittington, 
who, poor boy, was then in the kitchen cleaning pots and 
spits. Being told he must come to his master, he made 
several excuses ; but, being urged to go, he at length came 
to the door, and there stood bowing and scraping. He did 
not dare to enter until the merchant commanded him in, and 
ordered a chair to be immediately set for him ; on which 
he, thinking they intended to make sport of him, fell on 
his knees, and with tears in his eyes besought them not 
to mock a poor simple fellow, who meant none of them 
any harm. 

Mr. Fitzwarren, raising him up, said, Indeed, Mr. Whit- 
tington, we are serious with you, for in estate at this instant 
you are an abler man than myself’' He then gave him 
the vast riches, which amounted to three hundred thousand 
pounds, — an immense sum in those days. 

At length, being persuaded to believe, he fell upon his 
knees, and praised Almighty God, who had vouchsafed to 
behold so poor a creature in the midst of his misery. He 
then turned to his master, and laid his riches at his feet ; 
but he said, No, Mr. Whittington, God forbid I should 
take so much as a ducat from you ; may it be a comfort 
to you ! ” 

Whittington then turned to Miss Alice, but she also 
refused it; upon which he bowed low, and said to her, 
“Madam, whenever you please to make choice of a hus- 
band, I will make you the greatest fortune in the world.” 
Upon this he began to distribute his bounty to his fellow- 
servants, giving even his mortal enemy the cook one hun- 
dred pounds for her portion. He also distributed his bounty 
very plentifully to all the ship’s crew. 


62 


WHITTINGTON AND HIS GAT. 


Upon this change the haberdashers, tailors, and semp- 
stresses were set to work to make Mr. Whittington fine 
clothes, and all things answerable to his fortune. Being 
dressed, he appeared a very comely person, insomuch that 
Miss Alice began to cast her eyes upon him. Now, her father, 
seeing this, intended a match between them, looking upon 
him to be a fortunate man. He also took him to the Koyal 
Exchange to see the customs of the merchants, where he 
was no sooner known, than they came to welcome him into 
their society. 

Soon after this a match was proposed between him and 
his master’s daughter, when he excused himself on account 
of the meanness of his birth ; but that objection being 
removed by his present worth, it was soon agreed on, and 
the lord mayor and aldermen were invited to the wedding. 
After the honeymoon was over, his father-in-law asked 
him what employment he would follow. He replied, he 
should like that of a merchant. So they joined together in 
partnership, and both grew immensely rich. 

Though fortune had thus bountifully smiled on the sub- 
ject of our history, he was far from being proud. He was, 
on the contrary, very merry, which made his company and 
acquaintance courted by all. In a short time he was nomi- 
nated Sheriff of London, in the year 1393, Sir John Hadley 
then being lord mayor. 

Thus he grew in riches and fame, being greatly beloved 
by all, especially the poor, whose hunger he always sup- 
plied. In five years’ time he was chosen lord mayor, in 
which office he behaved with such justice and prudence, 
that he w^as chosen twice to the same position afterwards. 

He entertained King Henry V., after his conquest of 


WHITTINGTON AND HIS GAT. 


63 


France, and his queen at Guildhall, in such a very grand 
manner, that the king was pleased to say, Never prince 
had such a subject,” and conferred upon him the honor 
of knighthood. At this entertainment the king particu- 
larly praised the fire, which was made of choice wood, 
mixed with mace, cloves, and all other spices. On which 
Sir Richard said he would endeavor to make one still more 
agreeable to his majesty, and immediately tore and threw 
into the fire the king’s bond for ten thousand marks due 
to the company of mercers ; two thousand five hundred, 
to the Chambers of London ; and to the staplers, gold- 
smiths, haberdashers, vintners, brewers, and bakers, three 
thousand marks each. 

All these,” said Sir Richard, with divers others, lent 
for the payment of your soldiers in France, I have taken in 
and discharged, to the amount 'of sixty thousand pounds 
sterling ; can your majesty desire to see such another 
sight ? ” The king and nobles were struck dumb with sur- 
prise at his wealth and liberality. 

Sir Richard spent the rest of his days honored by the 
rich and loved by the poor. He had by his wife two sons 
and two daughters, some of whose posterity are worthy citi- 
zens. He built many charitable houses, also a church in 
Vintry Ward, dedicated to St. Michael, adding to it a 
college, dedicated to St. Mary, with a yearly allowance^ 
for the poor scholars, near which he erected a hospital, 
and well endowed it. There he caused his father-in-law 
and mother-in-law to be buried, and left room for himself 
and wife when death should call them. He built Newgate, a 
place for criminals. He gave large sums to Bartholomew’s 
Hospital, and to many other charitable uses. 


64 


WHITTINGTON AND HIS GAT. 


Dame Alice, his wife, died in the sixty-third year of her 
age, after which he would not marry, though he outlived 
her near twenty years. In the conclusion, he died, and was 
buried in the place aforesaid, leaving a good name to 
posterity. 


CINDERELLA; OR, THE LITTLE 
GLASS SLIPPER. 


HERE was once an honest gentle- 
man who took for his second wife 
the proudest and most disagreeable 
lady in the whole country. She had 
two daughters by a previous mar- 
riage, exactly like herself in all 
things. The gentleman also had one 
little girl, who resembled her dead 
mother, the best woman in all the world. Scarcely had 
the second marriage taken place than the stepmother be- 
came jealous of the good qualities of the little girl, who 
was so great a contrast to her own two daughters. She 
gave her all the hard work of the house; compelled her 
to wash the floors and staircases, to dust the bedrooms, 
and clean the grates ; and while her sisters occupied car- 
peted chambers hung with mirrors, where they could see. 
themselves from head to foot, this poor little girl was sent 
to sleep in an attic, on an old straw mattress, with only 
one chair, and not a looking-glass, in the room. 

She suffered all in silence, not daring to complain to her 
father, who was entirely ruled by his new wife. When 
her daily work was done she used to sit down in the 

( 66 ) 



66 


CINDERELLA. 


chimney-corner among the ashes; from which the two 
sisters gave her the nickname of Cinderella. But Cin- 
derella, however shabbily clad, was handsomer than they 
were with all their fine clothes. 

It happened that the king’s son gave some balls, to 
which were asked all the ladies and gentlemen of the city, 
and among the rest the two elder sisters. They were very 
proud and happy, and occupied their whole time in think- 
ing what they should wear. This was a new trouble to 
Cinderella, who had to. get up their fine linen and laces, 
and who never could please them however much she tried. 
They talked of nothing but their clothes. 

” I,” said the elder, ” shall wear my velvet gown and my 
trimmings of English lace.” 

" And I,” added the younger, ” will have but my ordinary 
silk petticoat, but I shall adorn it with an upper skirt of 
fiowered brocade, and shall put on my diamond crown, 
which is a great deal finer than anything of yours.” 

Here the elder sister grew angry, and the dispute began 
to mn so high, that Cinderella, who was known to have 
excellent taste, was called upon to decide between them. 
She gave them the best advice she could, and gently and 
submissively offered to dress them herself, and especially 
to arrange their hair. The important evening came, and 
she exercised all her skill to adorn the two young ladies. 
While she was combing out the elder’s hair, this ill- 
natured girl said, sharply, ” Cinderella, do you not wish 
you were going to the ball? ” 

Ah, madam ” (they obliged her always to say madam) , 
'' you are only mocking me; it is not my fortune to have 
any such pleasure.” 


CINDERELLA. 


67 


" You are right; people would only laugh to see a little 
cinder- wench at a ball.” 

Any other than Cinderella would have dressed the hair 
all awry, but she was good, and dressed it perfectly even 
and smooth, and as prettily as she could. 

The sisters had scarcely eaten for two days, and had 
broken a dozen staylaces a day, in trying to make them- 
selves slender ; but to-night they broke a dozen more, and 
lost their tempers over and over again before they had 
completed their dressing. When at last the happy moment 
arrived, Cinderella followed them to the coach; after it 
had whirled them away, she sat down by the kitchen fire 
and cried. 

Immediately her godmother, who was a fairy, ap- 
peared beside her. "What are you crying for, my little 
maid? ” 

" Oh, I wish — I wish — ” Her sobs stopped her. 

" You wish to go to the ball; isn’t it so? ” 

Cinderella nodded. 

" Well, then, be a good girl, and you shall go. First 
run into the garden and fetch me the largest pumpkin you 
can find.” 

Cinderella did not see what this had to do with going 
to the ball, but, being obedient and obliging, she went. 
Her godmother took the puinpldn, and, having scooped 
out all its inside, struck it with her wand; it became a 
splendid gilt coach, lined with rose-colored satin. 

" 'Now fetch me the mouse-trap out of the pantry, my 
dear.” 

Cinderella brought it; it contained six of the fattest, 
sleekest mice. The fairy lifted up the wire door, and as 


68 


CINDERELLA. 



each mouse ran out she struck it and changed it into a 
beautiful black horse. ,,i 

” But what shall I do for your 
coachman, Cinderella ? ” 

Cinderella suggested that she 
had seen a large black rat in the 
rat-trap, and he might do for 
want of better. 

''You are right; go and 
look again for him.” 

He was found; and the 
fairy made him into 
a most respectable 
coachman, 
with the I' 
finest 


, : ' / whiskers imagina- 
ble. She afterwards 
took six lizards from behind the 
pumpkin-bed, and changed them into 
six footmen, all in splendid livery, 
who immediately jumped up behind 
the carriage, as if they had been 
footmen all their days. "’Well, Cin- 
derella, now you can go to the ball.” 
"What, in these clothes?” said 
Cinderella, sadly, looking down on her ragged frock. 


CINDERELLA. 


69 


Her godmother laughed, and touched her also with the 
wand; at which her wretched threadbare jacket became 
stiff with gold, and sparkling with jewels; her woollen 
petticoat lengthened into a gown of sweeping satin, from 
underneath which peeped out her little feet, no longer 
bare, but covered with silk stockings and the prettiest 
glass slippers in the world, ''^^ow, Cinderella, depart; 
but remember, if you stay one instant after midnight, your 
carriage will become a pumpkin, your coaclunan a rat, 
your horses mice, and your footmen lizards; while you 
yourself will be the little cinder- wench you were an hour 
ago.” 

Cinderella promised without fear, her heart was so full 

of joy. 

Arrived at the palace, the king’s son saw her, and, 
struck with her beauty, offered her his hand and led her 
with the utmost courtesy through the assembled guests, 
who stood aside to let her pass, whispering to one another, 
” Oh, how beautiful she is ! ” It might have turned the 
head of any one but poor Cinderella, who was so used to 
be despised that she took it all as if it were something 
happening in a dream. 

Her triumph was complete ; even the old king said to 
the queen, that never had he seen so charming and elegant 
a person. All the court ladies scanned her eagerly, clothes 
and all, determining to have theirs made next day of exactly 
the same pattern. The king’s son himself led her out to 
dance, and she danced so gracefully that he admired her 
more and more. Indeed, at supper, which was fortunately 
early, his admiration quite took away his appetite. For 
Cinderella herself, with an involuntary shyness she sought 


70 


CINDERELLA, 


out her sisters; placed herself beside them, and offered 
them all sorts of civil attentions, which, coming as they 
supposed from a stranger, and so magnificent a lady, 
almost overwhelmed them with delight. 

Wliile she was talking with them she heard the clock 
strike a quarter to twelve, and saying good-by to the 
royal family, she reentered her carriage, escorted by the 
king’s son, and arrived in safety at her own door. There 
she found her godmother, who smiled approval, and of 
whom she asked leave to go to a second ball, the following 
night, to which the queen had earnestly invited her. 

While she was talking, the two sisters were heard 
knocking at the gate, and the fairy godmother vanished, 
leaving Cinderella sitting in the chimney-corner, rubbing 
her eyes and pretending to be very sleepy. 

''Ah,” cried the eldest sister, maliciously, "it has been 
the most delightful ball, and there was present the most 
beautiful princess I ever saw, who was so exceedingly 
polite to us both.” 

"Was she?” said Cinderella, indifferently; "and who 
might she be?” 

"N^obody knows, though everybody would give their 
eyes to know, especially the Idng’s son.” 

" Indeed ! ” replied Cinderella, a little more interested ; 
"I should like to see her. Miss Javotte,” — that was the 
eldest sister’s name, — "will you not let me go to-morrow, 
and lend me your yellow gown that you wear on Sundays? ” 

" What, lend my yellow gown to a cinder- wench ! I am 
not so mad as that ; ” at which refusal Cinderella did not 
complain, for if her sister had lent her the gown she would 
not have known what to do. 


CINDERELLA, 


71 



dressed, went to the ball. Cinderella, 
more splendidly attired and more 
beautiful than ever, followed 
them shortly after. ” l^ow, 
remember twelve o’clock,” was 
her godmother’s parting speech; 
and she thought she certainly 
should. But the prince’s atten- 
tions to her were greater even 
than the first evening, and, 
in the delight of listening to jj] 
him, time slipped by unnoticed. 

While she was sitting beside ^ 

him in a lovely room she heard a clock strike the first 
stroke of twelve. She started up and fied away as 
lightly as a deer. 


72 


CINDERELLA. 


Amazed, the prince followed, but could not catch her. 
Indeed he missed his lovely princess altogether, and only 
saw running out of the palace doors a little dirty girl, 
whom he had never beheld before, and of whom he cer- 
tainly would never have taken the least notice. Cinder- 
ella arrived at home breathless and weary, ragged and cold, 
without carriage, or footman, or coachman. All that was 
left of her past magnificence was one of her little glass 
slippers. She had dropped the other in the ball-room as 
she ran away. 

Wlien the two sisters returned they were full of this 
strange adventure : how the beautiful lady had appeared at 
the ball more beautiful than ever, and enchanted every 
one who looked at her; how, as the clock was striking 
twelve, she had suddenly risen up and fied through the 
ball-room, disappearing, no one knew how or where, and 
dropping one of her glass slippers behind her in her flight; 
how the king’s son had remained inconsolable until he 
chanced to pick up the little glass slipper, which he carried 
away in his pocket, and was seen to take out continually, 
and look at affectionately. In fact, all the court and royal 
family were convinced that he was deeply in love with the 
wearer of the little glass slipper. 

Cinderella listened in silence, turning her face to the 
kitchen fire, and perhaps it was that which made her look 
so rosy; but nobody ever noticed her at home, and next 
morning she went to her weary work again just as before. 

A few days after, the whole city was attracted by the 
sight of the prince, preceded by a herald, who went about 
with a little glass slipper in his hand, proclaiming that the 
king’s son ordei;ed this to be fitted on the foot of every 


CINDERELLA. 


73 


lady in the kingdom, and that he wished to marry the lady 
whom it fitted best, or to whom it and the fellow-slipper 
belonged. Princesses, duchesses, countesses, and simple 
gentlewomen, all tried it on; but, being a fairy slipper, it 
fitted nobody ; and, besides, nobody could produce its fel- 
low-slipper, which lay all the time safely in the pocket of 
Cinderella’s old linsy gown. 

At last the herald and the prince came to the house 
of the two sisters, and, though they well knew neither 
of themselves was the beautiful lady, they made every 
attempt to get their clumsy feet into the glass slipper; but 
in vain. 



'' Let me try it on,” said Cinderella, from the chimney 
corner. 

” What, you?” cried the others, bursting into shouts of 
laughter; but Cinderella only smiled, and held out her 
hand. 


74 


CINDERELLA. 


Her sisters could not prevent her, since the conunand 
was that every young maiden in the city should try 
on the slipper, in order that no chance might he left 
untried, for the prince was nearly breaking his heart; 
and his father and mother were afraid that, though a 
prince, he would actually die for love of the beautiful 
unknown lady. 

So the herald bade Cinderella sit down on a three- 
legged stool in the kitchen, and himself put the slipper on 
her pretty little foot, which it fitted exactly; she then 
drew from her pocket the fellow-slipper, which she also 
put on, and stood up — for with the touch of the magic 
shoes all her dress was changed likewise — no longer the 
poor cinder- wench, but the beautiful lady whom the king’s 
son loved. 

The prince knew her at once, and was overjoyed to 
have found her. As for her sisters they were filled with 
astonishment, mingled with no little alarm. They threw 
themselves at her feet, and begged her pardon for all 
their former unkindness. She raised and embraced them ; 
told them she forgave them with all her heart, and only 
hoped they would love her always. Then she departed 
with the prince to the king’s palace, and told her whole 
story to his majesty and the royal family. 

As for the young prince himself, he found her more 
lovely and lovable than ever, and insisted upon marrying 
her innnediately. Cinderella never went home again, but 
she and the prince were married and lived happily ever 
after. 


SUGGESTIONS FOE THE USE OF SUPPLEMENTARY 

READING. 



HILE the school readers answer the purpose for which they are 


V V intended, and are still needed, they are too fragmentary to accom- 
plish the ends desired and expected from the use of supplementary reading. 
An entire story, poem, or narrative interests the young reader more than 
any mere selection. An extract from “ Robinson Crusoe,” a sketch from 
“Tom Brown,” or a single incident from “The Lady of the Lake,” fails to 
produce a deep interest, because it is incomplete. 

Supplementary reading is valuable not alone or principally for its elocu- 
tionary results, but for the practice it gives in “ reading at sighL*:^;and for 
the ideas and the language it imparts to the scholar. A pupil cannot read 
intelligently what he does not comprehend ; and will not digest and assim- 
ilate what possesses no interest to him. 

For the younger scholars, stories and vivid narratives are full of interest. 
Such reading is a pastime, while it stores the mind with the treasures of the 
language, if nothing more ; and language is the key to all knowledge. It is 
vastly better for a child to learn language than to use it without learning 
it. Children devour stories with avidity, and, when left to themselves, read 
such reckless haste as to derive but a partial benefit from the 
jjCxercise, Supplementary reading should be under the direction of the 
teachers, and should not be hurried through for the mere excitement of 
the story. Difficult words or sentences should be subjects of conversation 
and explanation. What has been read should occasionally be written out 
from memory, as an additional exercise in the construction of sentences 
and the use of language. 

It is not necessary, or even advisable for the success of the plan, that 
every scholar be supplied with one or more books of supplementary reading. 
Ten, twenty, thirty books — enough for a single class of each of the differ- 
ent grades — are sufficient. The books should be given out and taken up 
at each exercise, not only to secure their safe-keeping, but to prevent any 
educational misuse of them. They may be passed from one school to 
another, until all the pupils in the town have read them. A set of books 
thus used and thus cared for would last for several years. 


LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



0 002 575 413 n M 


Supplementary Reading authorized for use in the 
Boston Public Schools. 


The public schools of Boston are beginning a new course in 
reading. Besides the traditional readers, volumes that are not 
readers, but books, and books whose attractiveness is lasting, 
are now in use throughout the schools. 

The latest additions bid fair to be the most welcome. Two 
series of Popular Tales, edited by Mr. H. C. Lodge from the 
best t^xts, bring Jack the Giant Killer, Cinderella, and the rest 
into the schoolroom, and lighten all its labors. A selection 
from the Arabian Nights, edited by the Superintendent of 
Schools, gives the older children a chance to read Aladdin and 
other fascinating stories. Then there is a book of poetry, 
simple, narrative, and ballad, from the best sources, English 
and American, which the Superintendent has collected in the 
hope that every pupil in the Primary and Grammar Schools W’^^ 
find something to please him, and to learn for life. 

Of these four volumes the aim is one and the same, namely, 
to interest the reader, and thus to make reading delightful to 
children, even to little children, and more and more delightful 
as they grow older. 

Such reading is believed to be wanted in other schools and in 
families everywhere. So far as these stories are familiar, they 
will be read with renewed interest in their present form. So 
far as they are unfamiliar, they will soon become as enchanting 
to our children as they have been to us and to our fathers. 
The poems are not so old as the stories, but many of them 
have been proved, over and over again, to possess no passing 
charm. 


